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Month: January 2021

Powell’s Books: Our [Non] Commitment to Free Speech

Powell’s Books: Our [Non] Commitment to Free Speech

Major bookstore pulls a book from its shelves after a group known for violence threatens the book store if they continue to carry the book. This, in turns, yields the Streisand Effect – those not aware of the book learn more about it because of the protest and decide to buy it.

It also raises questions about the roles of gatekeepers – the world’s largest independent book store is being forced to pull a book off its shelves.

“Deplatforming” Parler

“Deplatforming” Parler

The controversy over hostile social media content advocating violence, hate, and lies on social media – and the deplatforming of individuals and entire services (e.g. Parler).

Was Parler deplatformed for “conservative” ideas or for users advocating violence?

“Liking” the wrong post could get you fired

“Liking” the wrong post could get you fired

Clicking “Like” on a social media post that contains controversial commentary may get you fired from your job. This has happened in the past and may happen to some police officers who liked a controversial post from a former police officer that participated in the insurrection and attack on the U.S. Capitol.